Filter pulsation dampening device

ABSTRACT

A filter pulsation dampening device has a replaceable filter element including a plurality of baffles disposed next to each other or a flexible valve that is disposed proximate a baffle.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to canister style filtersystems that employ a replaceable filter element. More specifically, thepresent disclosure relates to a filter element that includes apositioning and sealing feature for positioning the filter elementaxially and radially in a desired position while providing a seal thathelps to ensure that dirty fluid is filtered by the filtering medium ofthe filter element.

BACKGROUND

Liquid filter systems are known for filter various fluids such as gas,oil, diesel fuel, etc. to remove contaminants from these fluids. In somecases, the filter is in fluid communication with pumps, engines, orother similar devices that may create pulses in the fluid to be filteredthat may reach the filter. It has been shown that pressure pulses canreduce the efficiency of filters in actual use depending on theenvironment in which the filters operate.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,479,712 discloses a pulsation reducing apparatus thatincludes a piston that is displaced in a valve chamber due to anincrease in a fuel pressure in an upstream fuel passage caused by apressure pulse. The fluid communication between the valve chamber and adownstream fuel passage is blocked, and fluid communication between thevalve chamber and a return passage is unblocked, allowing a bypass flowof fluid. The pressure pulse is thus conducted into the return passageand dampened by a pulsation reducing mechanism including a plurality offlow restricting orifices. The fuel, once it has passed through theorifices, is returned to the upstream fuel passage through the returnpassage.

As can be seen, the '712 patent requires an extra mechanism outside ofthe filter to provide pressure pulse protection. This extra mechanismincreases the overall cost of the system and may need maintenanceitself.

Accordingly, it desirable to develop a pressure pulse protectionmechanism that is less complicated, less costly, and easier to maintain.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A replaceable filter element that includes at least a partiallycylindrical configuration and that defines a longitudinal axis, and aradial direction is provided according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The filter element may comprise an annular filter mediadefining a central passage, a center tube that is disposed in thecentral passage of the annular filter media that defines a centralreservoir, and the annular filter media surrounds the center tube andthe central reservoir, a top open end joined to the center tube disposedalong the longitudinal axis, the top open end including an openingallowing fluid to flow from the central reservoir to the outside of thefilter element, and a bottom open end joined to the center tube oppositethe top open end disposed along the longitudinal axis. A filterpulsation dampening device may also be provided that includes a flexiblevalve that defines a valve free end that is disposed in the centralreservoir of the center tube.

A housing bolt for use with a filter element for providing a filterpulsation dampening device according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure is provided. The housing bolt may comprise an at leastpartially cylindrical body defining a cylindrical axis and a radialdirection, and may include a head defining a head diameter, a shaftportion extending axially from the head, the shaft portion defining ashaft portion diameter that is less than the head diameter, forming asupport surface configured to contact a portion of the filter element. Afirst baffle may extend from the shaft portion, the first baffleextending axially away from the head and radially away from the shaftportion.

A pulse dampening interface between a filter and a filter base that isconfigured to mitigate pulses according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure is provided. The interface may comprise a filter element thatincludes at least partially a cylindrical configuration and that definesa longitudinal axis, and a radial direction. The filter element maycomprise an annular filter media defining a central passage, a centertube that is disposed in the central passage of the annular filter mediathat defines a central reservoir, and the annular filter media surroundsthe center tube and the central reservoir. A top open end may be joinedto the center tube disposed along the longitudinal axis, the top openend including an opening allowing fluid to flow from the centralreservoir to the outside of the filter element, and a bottom open endmay be joined to the center tube opposite the top open end disposedalong the longitudinal axis. A housing bolt, and a base may also beprovided. A filter pulsation dampening device may include a first baffleextending from the housing bolt and terminating at a first baffle freeend, and a flexible valve extending from the filter element that definesa valve free end disposed radially inwardly and longitudinally above thefirst baffle free end, defining a shut-off gap distance between thefirst baffle valve free end and the flexible valve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front sectional view of a filter assembly of showing afiltration pulsation dampening device using small passages and bafflesto keep pressure pulses from getting to the filter element according toan embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged detail view of the filtration pulsation dampeningdevice of the filter assembly FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front sectional view of a filter assembly of showing afiltration pulsation dampening device using a rubber valve to keeppressure pulses from getting to the filter element according to anotherembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged detail view of the filtration pulsation dampeningdevice of the filter assembly FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the disclosure,examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whereverpossible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout thedrawings to refer to the same or like parts. In some cases, a referencenumber will be indicated in this specification and the drawings willshow the reference number followed by a letter for example, 100 a, 100 bor a prime indicator such as 100′, 100″ etc. It is to be understood thatthe use of letters or primes immediately after a reference numberindicates that these features are similarly shaped and have similarfunction as is often the case when geometry is mirrored about a plane ofsymmetry. For ease of explanation in this specification, letters orprimes will often not be included herein but may be shown in thedrawings to indicate duplications of features discussed within thiswritten specification.

First, a filter system will now be described to give the reader theproper context for understanding how various embodiments of the presentdisclosure are used. It is to be understood that this description isgiven as exemplary and not in any limiting sense. Any embodiment of anapparatus or method described herein may be used in conjunction with anyfilter system.

Then, a filter element that may include a pulsation dampening deviceaccording to various embodiments will be discussed. The device mayinclude an assortment of baffles, baffles and/or valves, etc. that areattached to various components of the filter element, the center tube,the top end cap, the base, etc.

FIGS. 1 thru 4 illustrate a canister filter system 100, 100′ that mayuse a filter element 200, 200′ according to various embodiments of thepresent disclosure. This system may also be referred to as a pulsedampening interface between a filter and a filter base that isconfigured to mitigate pulses.

Starting with FIGS. 1 and 3, the canister filter system 100, 100′ mayinclude having a base 102, a canister 104, and a filter element 200,200′. The canister filter system 100 may be used to filter fluids suchas diesel or gasoline or other liquid fuels, lubrication oil, hydraulicfluid for hydraulic power systems, transmission fluid, or even possiblyintake air for an engine. The canister filter system 100 may also beused as a fuel/water separator filter. The canister filter system 100with the features described herein could be adapted by those of ordinaryskill in this art to serve many different purposes and suit many otherapplications.

The base 102 includes an inlet channel 106 for fluid to enter into thecanister filter system 100, and an outlet channel 108 for fluid to exitfrom the canister filter system 100. The base 102 also includes basethreads 110. Other attachment structure than threads may be used.

The canister 104 includes a top open end 112 and a bottom closed end114. Adjacent the top open end 112 are bolt threads 116 which can beengaged with base threads 110 to hold the canister 104 to base 102.Threads are one example of engagement structures which may be includedon the base 102 and bolt 300, 300′ to form a releasable engagement.Other engagement structures may be used as will be recognized by thoseof ordinary skill in this art.

The filter element 200, 200′ may take many different forms to suit aparticular application. In the illustrated embodiment, the filterelement 200, 200′ is well suited for filtering fuel or lubrication oil.The filter element 200, 200′ may include annular filter media 202circumferentially surrounding a central reservoir 204 defined by acenter tube 206. Axial ends of annular filter media 202 are shown to besealed by end caps.

A top end cap 208 may define an axial open end of filter element 200.The top end cap 208 is termed “open” because it includes an opening 210for allowing passage of fluid to outlet channel 108 from the centralreservoir 204 defined by center tube 206.

On the other hand, the bottom end cap 212 defines an axial closed end offilter element 200. The bottom end cap 212 is termed “closed” because itprevents any fluid outside the filter element 200 adjacent the axial endof the annular filter media 202 from flowing unfiltered into center tube206. The bottom end cap 212 may be closed by mating with a housing bolt300, 300′ that in turn mates with the center tube 206. This may not bethe case for other embodiments of the present disclosure.

The top end cap 208 and the bottom end cap 212 may each be joined to thecenter tube 206 via welding, adhesives, etc. Alternatively, several orall of center tube 206, the top end cap 208, and the bottom end cap 212may be constructed as unitary components. Other configurations arepossible.

In operation, fluid to be filtered enters from the inlet channel 106 andflows to the annular cavity 118 between canister 104 and the annularfilter media 202. The fluid then passes into and through filter media202, then into the center tube 206 through the perforations 214 showntherein in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Then, the fluid exits center tube 206 through the top end cap 208 andopening 210 into the outlet channel 108. The sealed construction at thebottom of the filter element 200, 200′ helps to define the fluidchannels into and out of the annular filter media 202, preventing anyfluid from flowing directly to outlet channel 108 and bypassing theannular filter media 202. To the same end, baffles, baffles and valves,etc. may be provided at the top of the canister filter system 100, 100′that will be discussed in detail later herein that prevent provide asimilar seal and may also provide a pulsation dampening device accordingto various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a canister filter system 100 accordingto various embodiments of the present disclosure that provides apulsation dampening device will now be discussed.

The canister filter system 100 may comprise a filter element 200 thatincludes at least partially a cylindrical configuration and that definesa longitudinal axis 216, and a radial direction 218. The filter element200 may comprise an annular filter media 202 defining a central passage219 and a center tube 206 that is disposed in the central passage 219 ofthe annular filter media 220 that defines a central reservoir 204. Thus,the annular filter media 202 surrounds the center tube 206, and thecentral reservoir 204.

As best seen in FIG. 1, the filter element 200 may further include a topopen end 220 joined to the center tube 206 disposed along thelongitudinal axis 216. The top open end 220 includes an opening 210 thatallows fluid to flow from the central reservoir 204 to the outside ofthe filter element 200.

Similarly, referring again to FIG. 1, the filter element 200 may includea bottom open end 222 joined to the center tube 206 opposite the topopen end 220 that is also disposed along the longitudinal axis 216. Thusthe bottom open end 222 allows insertion of the housing bolt 300.

The canister filter system 100 may also include a canister 104 thatincludes a top open end 112 (see FIG. 1), and a bottom closed end 114relative to the longitudinal axis 216 (as previously described herein,see FIGS. 1 and 3), and a housing bolt 300 that may penetrates throughthe bottom closed end 114 of the canister 104 (providing a seal(s)) orside on top of the bottom closed end 114 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. Thismay be referred to as a stud style bolt that rests on the bottom closedend of the canister such that is shoulder portion or its head is trappedbetween the filter element and the canister, etc.

Looking at FIGS. 1 and 2, a pulsation dampening device 224 may include afirst baffle 226 extending from the housing bolt 300, and a secondbaffle 228 extending either from the base 102 or the filter element 200that is disposed proximate to the first baffle 226, defining a flowpassage 230 with a minimum distance 232 between the first baffle 226 andthe second baffle 228. In certain embodiments of the present disclosure,the minimum distance 232 ranges from 0.1 mm to 5.0 mm.

As a result of this construction, a pressure pulsation(s) 120 downstreamfrom the annular filter media 202 may be greatly reduced before theyreach the annular filter media 202. In turn, this might reduce anydegradation of the performance of the filter element 200 such as itsoutput to an engine or another downstream device. The minimum distance232 may be varied to achieve the desired effect, and may be differentthan the range just mentioned in other embodiments of the presentdisclosure. As will be described momentarily, the configurations of thefirst baffle 226, and the second baffle 228 may be reversed in otherembodiments of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first baffle 226 may extend radiallyoutwardly and longitudinally upwardly from the housing bolt 300 past thetop open end 220 (e.g. top end cap 208) of the filter element 200. Thesecond baffle 228 may be attached to the base 102 and extendslongitudinally downwardly and radially inwardly from the base 102 pastthe top open end 220 (e.g. top end cap 208) of the filter element 200.

The second baffle 228 may define a S-shaped portion 234. A third baffle236 may extend purely longitudinally from the S-shaped portion 234 ofthe second baffle 228 to the top open end 220 (e.g. top end cap 208) orto the center tube 206, forming a downward facing V-shaped region 239with the second baffle 228. The first baffle 226 may be disposed betweenthe second baffle 228, and the third baffle 236, defining a serpentineshaped flow passage 230 (may have a consistent minimum distance 232 ornot). Other configurations are possible in other embodiments. Forexample, the second baffle may have other configurations such as astraight shape, etc.

In some embodiments of present disclosure, such as shown in FIG. 1, thesecond baffle 228 is attached to the base 102, the first baffle 226 isattached to the housing bolt 300, and the third baffle 236 is attachedto the filter element 200 (the third baffle 236 may be attached to thetop open end 220 (e.g. the top end cap 208) or to the center tube 206,etc.). During assembly, the housing bolt 300 may be attached to canister104 and the filter element 200, forming a subassembly. Then, thecanister 104, the filter element 200, and the housing bolt 300 areattached to the base 102. The third baffle 236 then contacts the secondbaffle 228, forming a seal therebetween, and the second baffle 228 fitsbetween the first baffle 226, and the second baffle 228 to form theserpentine flow passage 230.

In other embodiments, the second baffle 228 and the third baffle 236 maybe unitary and may be attached to the filter element 200 so that thesebaffles contact the base 102. Other variations are possible.

The first baffle 226, the second baffle 228, and the third baffle 236may all comprise a thermoplastic material (e.g. Polyurethane, nylon,etc.). Other materials such as metal may be used in other embodiments,and the materials of the various baffles may be different from eachother, etc. The first baffle 226, the second baffle 228, and the thirdbaffle 236 may all have the same thickness 238 (minimum dimension)ranging from 0.1 mm to 45.0 mm in certain embodiments. Other thicknessesand ranges may be used in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

The first baffle 226, the second baffle 228, and the third baffle 236may be concentric about the longitudinal axis 216 (e.g. may begeometrically formed by rotating the cross-section shown in FIG. 1 aboutthe longitudinal axis). Similarly, the filter element 200 may concentricwith the canister 104, and with the housing bolt 300. Otherconfigurations are possible in other embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The housing bolt 300 may be attached to the canister 104 orthe base 102, fixing the position of the housing bolt 300 relative tothe canister 104 and/or the base 102.

A filter element 200 that may be provided as a replacement partaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure that may be usedwith the canister filter system 100 just described will now be discussedwith reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The filter element 200 may include afilter pulsation dampening device 224 that has a filter element baffle236′ extending longitudinally upwardly from the top open end 220 (e.g.top end cap 208) or from the center tube 206 of the filter element 200.

The filter element 200 may further comprising a housing bolt 300 with abolt baffle 226′ extending radially outwardly and longitudinallyupwardly from the housing bolt 300 past the top open end 220 (e.g. topend cap 208) of the filter element 200, terminating at a bolt bafflefree end 240 in close but spaced apart relation to the filter elementbaffle 236′, defining a flow passage 230 having a minimum distance 232between the filter element baffle 236′ and the bolt baffle 226′. Theminimum distance 232 may range from 0.1 mm to 5.0 mm. This distance maybe varied as previously described.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the filter element baffle 236′may be attached to the top open end 220 (e.g. top end cap 208) of thefilter element 200, to the center tube 206, or both. The bolt baffle226′ may be joined to the housing bolt 300 at a point 242 disposedlongitudinally below the top open end 220 (e.g. top end cap 208) of thefilter element 200.

As alluded to earlier herein, the filter element baffle 236′, and thebolt baffle 226′ comprise a thermoplastic material, and have the samethickness ranging from 0.1 mm to 54.0 mm. Other variations are possibleas previously described herein.

Similarly, the filter element baffle 236′, and the bolt baffle 226′ maybe concentric about the longitudinal axis 216 (e.g. may be formed byrotating the cross-sectional geometry in FIG. 1 about the longitudinalaxis 216).

The center tube 206 and the housing bolt 300 may be separate componentsor they may be formed as an unitary component.

Next, the housing bolt 300 will be described in further detail withcontinued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

The housing bolt may comprise an at least partially cylindrical body 300defining a cylindrical axis 302 and a radial direction 304. The housingbolt 300 may have a head 306 defining a head diameter 308, and a shaftportion 310 extending axially from the head 306. The shaft portion 310defining a shaft portion diameter 312 that is less than the headdiameter 308, forming a support surface 314 configured to contact aportion of the filter element 200. A first baffle 226 (as previouslydiscussed herein) may extend from the shaft portion 310. Morespecifically, the first baffle 226 may extend from the side of the shaftportion 310, axially away from the head 306, and radially away from theshaft portion 310.

The first baffle 226 may extend from the shaft portion 310 at anattachment point 242 that is spaced axially away from the head 306 anattachment point axial distance 316 ranging from 50% to 100% of thelength of the filter. The first baffle 226 may define a first bafflethickness 238′ ranging from 0.1 mm to 54.0 mm. Other configurations anddimensional ranges are possible in other embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

The first baffle 226 may terminate at a free end 240′ that is alsospaced axially away from the head 306 a free end axial distance 318ranging from 50% to 120% of the length of the filter. The free end 240′may also being spaced radially away from the shaft portion 310 a freeend radial distance 320 ranging from 10% to 98% of the inner diameter ofthe center tube. Again, other configurations and dimensional ranges arepossible in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, canister filter system 100′ (similar tocanister filter system 100) that uses a filter pulsation dampeningdevice 224′ according to other embodiments of the present disclosurewill now be discussed.

The filtration pulsation dampening device 224′ may include a firstbaffle 226″ extending from the housing bolt 300′, and terminating at afirst baffle free end 240″, and a flexible valve 244 extending from thefilter element 200′ that defines a valve free end 246 that is disposedradially inwardly and longitudinally above the first baffle free end240″. This construction defines a shut-off gap distance 248 between thefirst baffle valve free end 240″ and the flexible valve 244. Theshut-off gap distance 248 may range from 0.1 mm to 5.0 mm.

As a result of this construction, a pressure pulsation(s) 120 downstreamfrom the annular filter media 202 may be greatly reduced before theyreach the annular filter media 202. In turn, this might reduce anydegradation of the performance of the filter element 200′ such as itsoutput to an engine or another downstream device. The shut-off gapdistance 248 may be varied to achieve the desired effect to be differentthan the range just mentioned in other embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The flexible valve 244 opens when there is no pressurepulsation downstream, allowing a normal flow of filtered fluid.

This arrangement of the flexible valve and the first baffle may bereversed in other embodiments of the present disclosure. In FIGS. 3 and4, the flexible valve 244 (e.g. a diaphragm, a flap, etc.) extendsradially inwardly and longitudinally downwardly from the center tube 206or the top open end 220 (e.g. the top end cap 208) of the filter element200″. In certain embodiments, the flexible valve 244 extends from thecenter tube 206 and terminates in the central reservoir 204 of thefilter element 200′.

The pulsation dampening device 224′ may also have a support baffle 250extending from either the top open end 220 (e.g. the top end cap 208) orthe center tube 206 of the filter element 200′ longitudinally below andparallel with the flexible valve 244.

The first baffle 226″, and the support baffle 250 may comprise the samematerial (similar to what has been described earlier herein), and mayhave the same thickness 238″. The support baffle 250 terminates at asupport baffle free end 252 that is disposed radially outward andlongitudinally above the valve free end 246. The support baffle 250 mayhelp support the flexible valve 244 so that it does not tear, overlydeform, or otherwise become ineffective as the flexible valve 244 opensand closes on the first baffle 226.

A second baffle 228′ including a serpentine shape (e.g. a S-shapedcurve, undulating curve, etc.) that extends longitudinally below the topopen end 220 (e.g. the top end cap 208) of the filter element 200′,terminating in a second baffle free end 254 that is disposedlongitudinally above the valve free end 246. The second baffle 228′ mayextend all the way from the base 102 or it may be split into two piecesincluding a bottom piece extending from the top end cap and a top pieceextending from the base to the filter element, creating a seal betweenthese components, etc. The support baffle and the second baffle may alsobe integrated into an unitary baffle that extends from the filterelement and contacts the base. Other configurations are possible inother embodiments of the present disclosure.

The second baffle 228′ may limit the upward movement of the flexiblevalve 244 as it opens so that it does not tear, overly deform orotherwise become ineffective as the flexible valve 244 opens and closes.

Similar to what has been previously described herein, the first baffle226″, the second baffle 228′, the support baffle 250, and the flexiblevalve 244 are concentric about the longitudinal axis 216. That is tosay, these components may be created by rotating the cross-sectionalgeometry about the longitudinal axis 216. Likewise, the filter element200′ may be concentric with the canister 104, and with the housing bolt300′. The housing bolt 300′ may be attached to the canister 104 or thebase 102, fixing the position of the housing bolt 300′ relative to thecanister 104 and/or the base 102. Other constructions are possible inother embodiments of the present disclosure.

Now, a filter element 200′ that may be provided as a replacement partaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure that may be usedwith the canister filter system 100′ just described will now bediscussed with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. The filter element 200′includes a filter pulsation dampening device 224′ having a flexiblevalve 244 that defines a valve free end 246 that is disposed in thecentral reservoir 204 of the center tube 206. The flexible valve 246extends radially inwardly and longitudinally downwardly from the centertube 206 or the top open end 220 (e.g. the top end cap 208) of thefilter element 200′. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the flexible valve 246actually extends from the center tube 206 in the embodiment shown.

The pulsation dampening device 224′ may include a radially outer baffle256 extending from the center tube 206 that is disposed longitudinallybelow the flexible valve 244. The radially outer baffle 256 extendslongitudinally downwardly and radially inwardly from the center tube206. The radially outer baffle 256 terminates at an outer baffle freeend 258 that is spaced longitudinally above and radially outwardly awayfrom the valve free end 246.

The radially outer baffle 256 may comprise a thermoplastic material orother suitable material as discussed earlier herein. The radially outerbaffle 256 has an outer baffle thickness 260 ranging from 0.1 mm to 5.0mm. The flexible valve 244 may comprise a rubber material or othersuitable material. The flexible valve 244 has a valve thickness 262ranging from 0.01 mm to 5.0 mm (may be made from an elastomer such asused in seals, and the range may be more particularly from 0.1 mm to 5.0mm, etc.). These dimensional ranges may be different in otherembodiments of the present disclosure.

The flexible valve 244 and the radially inner baffle 256 may beconcentric about the longitudinal axis 216 as previously alluded toherein. This may not be the case for other embodiments.

The housing bolt 300′ may have a radially inner baffle 322 extendinglongitudinally upwardly and radially outwardly from housing bolt 300′,terminating at an inner baffle free end 324. The inner baffle free end324 may be disposed radially outward and longitudinally below the valvefree end 246, defining a gap 264 with a minimum gap distance 266 fromranging 0 mm to 10.0 mm. The range for this distance may be different inother embodiments of the present disclosure.

Next, the housing bolt 300′ will be described in further detail withcontinued reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. The housing bolt 300′ may besimilarly constructed as discussed earlier herein with respect toFIG. 1. Furthermore, the housing bolt 300′ may include a first baffle226″ extending from the shaft portion 310. The first baffle 226″ mayextend axially away from the head 306, and radially away from the shaftportion 310.

More specifically, the first baffle 226″ may extend from the shaftportion 310 at an attachment point 242′ that is spaced axially away fromthe head 306 an attachment point axial distance 316′ ranging from 50% to100% of the length of the filter, and the first baffle 226″ defines afirst baffle thickness 238′ ranging from 0.1 mm to 5.0 mm. Thesedimensional ranges may be different in other embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

Also, the first baffle 226″ may terminate at a free end 240′″ that isspaced axially away from the head 306 a free end axial distance 318′ranging from 5.0 mm to 15.0 mm. The free end 240′″ may also be spacedradially away from the shaft portion 310 a free end radial distance 320′ranging from 5.0 mm to 15.0 mm.

Any of the aforementioned dimensions and configurations may be differentthan what has been specifically set forth herein. Moreover, thematerials of the various components discussed above may be differentthan those specifically mentioned.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

In practice, a filter element, a housing bolt, or a canister filtersystem may be obtained or provided in an OEM (original equipmentmanufacturer) or aftermarket context according to various embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

The center tube and the housing bolt may be made from any suitablematerial including plastic, metal, etc. It may be desirable to choosematerials that are chemically compatible with the fluids being filtered.

Various parameters may be measured to determine the efficacy of any ofthe embodiments discussed herein for a particular application. Forexample, at point A in FIGS. 1 and 3, the magnitude of the pressurepulsation 120 may be monitored, the pressure and the flow rate of theoutgoing fluid may be monitored. Also, at point B in FIGS. 1 and 3, baseline pressures of the pressure pulses may be monitored, and the pressureof the fluid may be measured. So, the pressure drop of the fluid may bedetermined as well as the flow rate as a function opposing pressurepulsations. The geometry of the pulsation dampening mechanism may beadjusted to achieve the desired outgoing fluid flow and/or the desiredpulsation pressure exerted on the filter media, etc.

In addition to or in lieu off actual testing, these parameters maydetermined and the geometry of the pulsation dampening device tailoredusing FEA (finite element analysis). Only the central reservoir, theoutlet and any areas in fluid communication between these areas (definedby the baffles) may need to be modeled.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing description provides examplesof the disclosed assembly and technique. However, it is contemplatedthat other implementations of the disclosure may differ in detail fromthe foregoing examples. All references to the disclosure or examplesthereof are intended to reference the particular example being discussedat that point and are not intended to imply any limitation as to thescope of the disclosure more generally. All language of distinction anddisparagement with respect to certain features is intended to indicate alack of preference for those features, but not to exclude such from thescope of the disclosure entirely unless otherwise indicated.

Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as ashorthand method of referring individually to each separate valuefalling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and eachseparate value is incorporated into the specification as if it wereindividually recited herein.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made to the embodiments of theapparatus and methods of assembly as discussed herein without departingfrom the scope or spirit of the invention(s). Other embodiments of thisdisclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromconsideration of the specification and practice of the variousembodiments disclosed herein. For example, some of the equipment may beconstructed and function differently than what has been described hereinand certain steps of any method may be omitted, performed in an orderthat is different than what has been specifically mentioned or in somecases performed simultaneously or in sub-steps. Furthermore, variationsor modifications to certain aspects or features of various embodimentsmay be made to create further embodiments and features and aspects ofvarious embodiments may be added to or substituted for other features oraspects of other embodiments in order to provide still furtherembodiments.

Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalentsof the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permittedby applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-describedelements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by thedisclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearlycontradicted by context.

What is claimed is:
 1. A replaceable filter element that includes atleast a partially cylindrical configuration and that defines alongitudinal axis, and a radial direction, the filter elementcomprising: an annular filter media defining a central passage; a centertube that is disposed in the central passage of the annular filter mediathat contacts the annular filter media, and that defines a centralreservoir, and the annular filter media surrounds the center tube andthe central reservoir; a top open end joined to the center tube disposedalong the longitudinal axis, the top open end including an openingallowing fluid to flow from the central reservoir to the outside of thefilter element; a bottom open end joined to the center tube opposite thetop open end disposed along the longitudinal axis; and a filterpulsation dampening device including a flexible valve that defines avalve free end that is disposed in the central reservoir of the centertube; wherein the flexible valve extends radially inwardly andlongitudinally downwardly directly from the center tube or the top openend of the filter element.
 2. The replaceable filter element of claim 1wherein the flexible valve extends from the center tube.
 3. Thereplaceable filter element of claim 2 further comprising a radiallyouter baffle extending from the center tube that is disposedlongitudinally below the flexible valve.
 4. The replaceable filterelement of claim 3 wherein the radially outer baffle extendslongitudinally downwardly and radially inwardly from the center tube,the radially outer baffle terminating at an outer baffle free end thatis spaced longitudinally below and radially outwardly away from thevalve free end.
 5. The replaceable filter element of claim 4 wherein theradially outer baffle comprises a thermoplastic material, the flexiblevalve comprises an elastomer material, the radially outer baffle has anouter baffle thickness ranging from 0.1 mm to 5.0 mm, and the flexiblevalve has a valve thickness ranging from 0.1 mm to 5.0 mm.
 6. Thereplaceable filter element of claim 5 wherein the flexible valve and theradially outer baffle are concentric about the longitudinal axis.
 7. Thereplaceable filter element of claim 6 further including a housing boltthat further comprises a radially inner baffle extending longitudinallyupwardly and radially outwardly from housing bolt, terminating at ainner baffle free end disposed radially outward and longitudinally belowthe valve free end, defining a gap with a minimum gap distance fromranging 0 mm to 10.0 mm.
 8. A housing bolt for use with a filter elementfor providing a filter pulsation dampening device, the housing boltcomprising: an at least partially cylindrical body defining acylindrical axis and a radial direction, and including a head defining ahead diameter; a shaft portion extending axially from the head, theshaft portion defining a shaft portion diameter that is less than thehead diameter, forming a support surface configured to contact a portionof the filter element; and a first baffle extending from the shaftportion, the first baffle extending axially away from the head andradially away from the shaft portion.
 9. The housing bolt of claim 8wherein the first baffle extends from the shaft portion at an attachmentpoint that is spaced axially away from the head an attachment pointaxial distance, and the first baffle defines a first baffle thicknessranging from 0.1 mm to 5.0 mm.
 10. The housing bolt of claim 8 whereinthe first baffle terminates at a free end that is spaced axially awayfrom the head a free end axial distance, the free end also being spacedradially away from the shaft portion a free end radial distance.
 11. Apulse dampening interface between a filter and a filter base configuredto mitigate pulses, the interface comprising: a filter element thatincludes at least partially a cylindrical configuration and that definesa longitudinal axis, and a radial direction, the filter elementcomprising: an annular filter media defining a central passage; a centertube that is disposed in the central passage of the annular filter mediathat defines a central reservoir, and the annular filter media surroundsthe center tube and the central reservoir; a top open end joined to thecenter tube disposed along the longitudinal axis, the top open endincluding an opening allowing fluid to flow from the central reservoirto the outside of the filter element; and a bottom open end joined tothe center tube opposite the top open end disposed along thelongitudinal axis: a housing bolt; a base; and a filter pulsationdampening device; wherein the filter pulsation dampening device includesa first baffle extending from the housing bolt and terminating at afirst baffle free end, and a flexible valve extending from the filterelement that defines a valve free end disposed radially inwardly andlongitudinally above the first baffle free end, defining a shut-off gapdistance between the first baffle valve free end and the flexible valve.12. The interface of claim 11 wherein the flexible valve extendsradially inwardly and longitudinally downwardly from the center tube orthe top open end of the filter element.
 13. The interface of claim 12wherein the flexible valve extends from the center tube and terminatesin the central reservoir of the filter element.
 14. The interface ofclaim 13 further comprising a support baffle extending from either thetop open end or the center tube of the filter element longitudinallybelow flexible valve.
 15. The interface of claim 14 wherein the firstbaffle, and the support baffle comprise the same material, and have thesame thickness, and the support baffle terminates at a support bafflefree end that is disposed radially outward and longitudinally below thevalve free end.
 16. The interface of claim 11 wherein the shut-off gapdistance ranges from 0.1 mm to 5.0 mm.
 17. The interface of claim 14further comprising a second baffle including a serpentine shape thatextends longitudinally below the top open end of the filter element,terminating in a second baffle free end that is disposed longitudinallyabove the valve free end.
 18. The interface of claim 17 wherein thefirst baffle, the second baffle, the support baffle, and the flexiblevalve are concentric about the longitudinal axis.
 19. The interface ofclaim 11 wherein the filter element is concentric with the housing bolt.